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Yesterday was a long-but-fulfilling day of baseball for the ol’ pinstripers. The Yankees won not one, but two games against the rival Red Sox and surged to the top of the AL Wild Card race. Technically, they’re in a weird tie with the same record as the A’s and a percentage-points lead on Boston that’s basically even, but hey, this is so much better than how things looked for the Bombers just a few weeks ago. It’s been thrilling to watch.
Although this evening’s Andrew Heaney start might dump some cold water on the fun, the doubleheader at least built up a “Heaney cushion” to ensure that they’ll finish with a series win over Boston regardless. And hey, maybe Nick Pivetta stinks too and the Yankees go for the sweep anyway! It’s playing with house money.
Today on the site, Andrés will emphasize the importance of starting pitching giving the heavily-worked bullpen a break, Erin will look into the effects of the Yankees’ higher stolen base totals in the second half, and John will go to bat for Clint Frazier. Later, Dan will introduce us to first-base prospect Anthony Garcia, and Jesse will dive deep on Chad Green’s solid — yet-occasionally frustrating — 2021 season.
Today’s Matchup
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
Time: 7:05 p.m. EST
TV: YES Network, NESN, ESPN
Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Fun Questions:
1. Which team scares you the most of the Yankees’ Wild Card contenders: the Red Sox, A’s, or Blue Jays?
2. Are the Padres actually going to lose their NL Wild Card lead on the Reds? Three weeks ago, San Diego was six games in front, and now, the deficit has been whittled to 1.5 games.